Canandaigua's RV parks sit amid New York's Finger Lakes region at approximately 750 feet elevation. The camping season typically extends from mid-April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Annual rainfall averages 35 inches, creating seasonal considerations for campers seeking full hookup sites.
What to do
Winery walking trails: Access two wineries directly via walking paths from Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector. "Two wineries we could walk to and dozens more nearby. Our site was spacious and the dog park gave our pups plenty of time off leash," notes Rosa J., highlighting the convenience for wine enthusiasts.
Waterfall exploration: Use campgrounds as base camps for visiting regional waterfalls, particularly in spring when water levels peak. "Easy drive to Watkins Glen, Lake Seneca, Ithaca, and the greater Finger Lakes region," writes Matt S. about Finger Lakes RV Resort's strategic location for waterfall seekers.
Fishing opportunities: Take advantage of catch-and-release fishing at Lake Bluff RV Park in Wolcott, where campers can fish without traveling off-site. "Pool, frog pond, catch and release fishing. Has a nice camp store," shares Sara H. about the on-property fishing options.
What campers like
Private farm camping: For a non-traditional experience, Woonton Family Farms offers just two camping sites on working farmland. "We had an excellent stay at the farm of the Woonton Family Farms with our RV, it was a cozy and beautiful campsite with personal attention of the owner. We had a great campfire, fresh blackberries and the option of canoeing," reports Willemien V.
Family entertainment: Campgrounds around Canandaigua often feature weekend activities for children. "Kids activities are great. Even with COVID they have stuff to keep them busy," Victoria mentions about Lake Bluff RV Park's programming. Similarly, at Southwoods RV Resort, visitors find "2 well kept pools, playgrounds, laundry facilities, mini golf, soccer, basketball," according to Hope C.
Evening entertainment: Several RV parks near Canandaigua offer structured weekend activities. "Live music on Friday Night (weather permitting) and plenty of activities for the family on the weekends," notes Rachel T. about Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort's entertainment schedule.
What you should know
Varying Wi-Fi quality: Internet connectivity differs dramatically between campgrounds, with newer facilities typically offering stronger service. At Finger Lakes RV Resort, Craig F. reports, "Easy maneuverability, great wifi and water pressure, along with level sites," while Laura W. confirms, "Wifi was strong enough to do work calls."
Seasonal availability: Most Canandaigua area RV parks operate from mid-April through October. At Stay Bristol Woodlands, located just 4 miles south of Canandaigua, campers find 78 sites open during the standard camping season. "We have been staying at this Jewel of a campground for years. The new owners have brought this place to a new level Great amenities, real Wi-Fi and a great pool," notes Donald R.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require significant leveling equipment, particularly for motorhomes. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, Donna C. experienced issues: "Almost all of the sites are not even close to level. Not a big issue with a fifth wheel but a real hassle with a motorcoach. We changed sites three times and finally resigned ourselves to not being leveled."
Tips for camping with families
Speed restrictions benefit children: Parks with strictly enforced speed limits provide safer environments for kids on bikes. "The speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it.... Kids on bikes and having a good time in the enormous play area and the pool far enough from the campsites but close to the store and watchful eye of the staff," explains Rachel T. about Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort.
Game room access: Look for parks with indoor recreation areas for rainy days. Sara H. mentions that at Lake Bluff RV Park, "Near the play ground they have a nice game room pool, air hockey, video games. There is a change machine too."
Wooded sites for shade: Consider booking wooded sites during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 80°F. "Large wooded sites are our favorite as well," notes Victoria about Lake Bluff RV Park, highlighting the comfort advantage of natural shade during hot days.
Tips from RVers
Site infrastructure quality: Newer RV parks typically offer better maintained utility connections. At Red Rock Ponds RV Resort in Holley, Eric B. notes it was "kinda close to other campers. Geared toward more seasonal campers," reflecting the varying site spacing in the region's parks.
Access road considerations: Interior campground roads vary significantly in quality and width. Nancy W. reports about Southwoods RV Resort: "All the roads in the park are paved with the exception of the pull-thru section in the front of the park (N12-N25) which is gravel. All campsite pads are gravel except for three long pull-thrus that are paved(M24-M26)."
Weekday vs. weekend experiences: Expect dramatic differences in occupancy and noise levels between weekdays and weekends. "We stayed four nights (which included a weekend) and experienced the park going from half full and quiet to packed with lots of music, all-day fires, and big gatherings," notes Nancy W. about Southwoods RV Resort.
